Method and apparatus for removing or reinstalling riser pipes of a riser bundle

ABSTRACT

A method of servicing a pipe bundle or riser bundle employs a specially configured hoist having a rail that supports multiple lifts. A selected satellite pipe/conduit of the pipe bundle is both lifted and pulled horizontally in order to remove it from a plurality of supports that hold the satellite pipes together in spaced apart positions. During removal of a satellite pipe, the lifts elevate, then travel with and hold the pipe as it moves horizontally away from the bundle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/006,255,filed on Jan. 26, 2016 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,849,550 on Dec. 26,2017), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/287,626, filed on May 27, 2014 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,242,319 onJan. 26, 2016) which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/545,335, filed on Jul. 10, 2012 (issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,732,931 on May 27, 2014), which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/616,344, filed Nov. 11, 2009 (issued as U.S.Pat. No. 8,214,993 on Jul. 10, 2012), which applications areincorporated herein by reference and to which priority is herebyclaimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to riser bundles and the repair orreplacement of the satellite tubes or pipes of a riser bundle. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an improved method andapparatus for removing one or more satellite tubes or conduits or pipesfrom a riser bundle, wherein a specially configured hoist and railarrangement includes separate lifts spaced longitudinally along theriser bundle that enable the removal of a selected satellite tube orconduit or pipe by lifting the selected tube or conduit and then pullingthe selected satellite tube or conduit or pipe longitudinally through anopening in an end flange of the riser bundle while the separate liftstravel along the rail while supporting the tube or conduit.

2. General Background of the Invention

Riser bundles are commonly employed in the collection of petroleum fromdeep water wells. Examples of riser bundles can be seen for example inU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,911,688; 4,182,584; 4,194,568; 4,388,022; and6,267,537, each of said patents being incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of removing a satellite pipefrom a pipe bundle that includes multiple satellite pipes supported by aplurality of spaced apart pipe supports. The supports can include endsupports and intermediate supports.

The method includes first supporting the pipe bundle in a generallyhorizontal position.

A hoisting apparatus is provided that includes an overhead rail. Thepipe bundle is positioned under the rail, the rail extending along thepipe bundle and generally aligned with the pipe bundle.

A plurality of lifts are attached to a selected satellite pipe that isto be removed or serviced. Each lift provides a carriage mounted fortravel on the rail and is supported by the carriage, the carriageenabling the lift to travel along the rail.

The selected satellite pipe is separated from the intermediate supportsand from at least one of the end supports. The selected satellite pipeis then elevated with the lifts, each lift being able to change theelevation of the satellite pipe independently of the other lifts.

The selected satellite pipe is moved longitudinally toward one of theend supports, wherein the lifts move simultaneously with the satellitepipe, each lift carriage traveling in the same direction upon the rail.

In one embodiment, an end support has an opening and a satellite pipemoves through the opening until it is separated from the pipe bundle.

In one embodiment, each support spaces the satellite pipescircumferentially apart.

In one embodiment, the pipe bundle is transported laterally from a firstposition that is spaced away from the hoisting apparatus to a secondposition which is in a position aligned with the rail.

In one embodiment, the pipe bundle is transported laterally by liftingthe pipe bundles with one or more wheeled vehicles.

In one embodiment, the wheeled vehicles are forklift vehicles.

In one embodiment, the method includes supporting the pipe bundle withmultiple cradles, each cradle having a base that is configured to restupon an underlying, generally flat support surface such as a shop floor,slab, or the earth's surface.

In one embodiment, each cradle has an upper end portion that conforms tothe shape of the pipe bundle.

In one embodiment, each of the satellite pipes has a male end portionand a female end portion. The end supports are male and female endsupports. The satellite pipe male end portion is supported by a male endsupport. The satellite pipe female portion is supported by a female endsupport. The satellite pipe travels toward the female end support whenit is being removed from the pipe bundle.

In one embodiment, the hoisting apparatus has a base with decking.

In one embodiment, the decking has open areas and the pipe bundle istransported laterally by lifting the pipe bundles with one or morewheeled vehicles (e.g. forklift vehicles) having forklift tines thatextend into the open areas.

In one embodiment, the method includes providing a human operator nextto each lift for operating the lift. In one embodiment, a supervisorconveys commands to the operators regarding elevation information for aparticular lift. The supervisor can be positioned next to one of thebundle end supports such as the female bundle end support.

In one embodiment, a lift is provided in between each pair of supports.

In one embodiment, there is a lift positioned in between a pair ofintermediate supports.

In one embodiment, the male end portion of each satellite pipe isconnected to an end support with a fitting and further comprising thestep of removing the fitting.

In one embodiment, tension is applied to one end portion of thesatellite pipe to be removed during its removal.

In one embodiment, the tension can be applied to the female end portionof the satellite pipe during removal of the satellite pipe.

In one embodiment, the satellite pipe female end portion is attached tothe female end support at an opening in the female end support and thepipe travels through the opening of the female end support when the pipeis being removed.

In one embodiment, the lifts support the satellite pipe on opposingsides of the female end support, thus supporting a portion of thesatellite pipe that has already traveled through the opening in thefemale support during its removal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B are elevation views illustrating a riser bundle to beserviced, and wherein match lines A-A match FIG. 1A to FIG. 1B;

FIGS. 2A-2B are plan views illustrating a riser bundle to be serviced,and wherein match lines B-B match FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3 is an end view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5 is an end view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a part of a satellite tube,conduit or pipe;

FIGS. 10A-10B are elevation views of the hoist portion of the preferredembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, and wherein matchlines A-A match FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B;

FIGS. 11A-11B are plan views of the hoist portion of the preferredembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, and wherein linesmatch lines B-B match FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B;

FIG. 12 is an end view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus ofthe present invention and illustrating the method of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a partial plan view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention and illustrating the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention and illustrating the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary view illustrating a removal tool for removingpart of a satellite tube or conduit;

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating removal of a part ofa satellite tube or conduit;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view illustrating removal of a part of asatellite tube or conduit;

FIG. 20 is a partial sectional elevation view illustrating removal of apart of a satellite tube or conduit;

FIG. 21 is an elevation view illustrating part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a fitting for removing asatellite tube or conduit from a riser bundle;

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention and showing a part of the method ofthe present invention;

FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view illustrating a part of the methodof the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating a storage rack for storingone or more satellite tubes or conduits that have been removed from ariser bundle;

FIG. 27 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 28 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 29 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 30 is an plan view illustrating a part of the method of the presentinvention;

FIG. 31 is an plan view illustrating a part of the method of the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 is an plan view illustrating a part of the method of the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 is an plan view illustrating a part of the method of the presentinvention;

FIG. 34 is an plan view illustrating a part of the method of the presentinvention;

FIG. 35 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 36 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 37 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 38 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention and illustrating a part of the methodof the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention and illustrating a part of the methodof the present invention;

FIG. 40 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 41 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 42 is an elevation view illustrating a part of the method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 43 is a partial perspective view illustrating a part of the methodof the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a partial sectional elevational view illustrating a part ofthe method of the present invention; and

FIG. 45 is a partial perspective view illustrating a part of the methodof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B show a riser bundle 11 that is to be serviced orrepaired. Riser bundle 11 provides a central tube 12 and a plurality ofsatellite tubes or conduits or pipes 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. Intermediatesupports 18 are spaced at intervals along the length of the central tube12 and satellite tubes 13-17. Cradles 19 can be used to support riserbundle 11 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B. A more detailed view of acradle 19 can be seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. Such a cradle 19 can beformed of wood, metal or plastic. Cradle 19 has an upper end portionthat is shaped to conform to bundle 11. Riser bundle 11 has end portions20, 21. An annular flange or support 22 is provided at end portion 20.An annular flange or support 26 is provided at end portion 21. Annularflange 22 provides openings 23, 24. Annular flange 22 provides centralopening 25 that is receptive of central tube 12. Openings 24 in annularflange 22 are receptive of satellite tubes or conduits 13-17.

Annular flange 26 has openings 27, 28. Annular flange 26 has centralopening 29. In FIG. 3, flange 22 is shown with central tube 12 occupyingopening 25. Satellite tubes or conduits 13-17 occupy openings 24. InFIG. 4, intermediate supports 18 are shown supporting each of theplurality of satellite tubes or conduits 13-17 at positions that arespaced at intervals in between the flanges 22, 26. FIG. 5 shows flange26 which supports satellite tubes or conduits 13-17 in openings 28 asshown. The flange or support 22 is a support that connects with andsupports the male end portions or male connectors 40 of satellite pipes13-17.

FIG. 4 shows intermediate support 18 in more detail. Each intermediatesupport 18 is provided with a plurality of clamps 30 that are used tosecure a selected satellite tube or conduit or pipe 13-17 to theintermediate support 18. Each clamp 30 includes connections that join itto the intermediate support 18. In FIG. 4, the connections can include apivotal connection 31 and a bolted connection 32. A clamp 30 is shown inan open position in phantom lines in FIG. 4. Arrows 45 in FIG. 4illustrate pivotal movement of a clamp 30 between an open position(phantom lines) and a closed position (hard lines).

Each intermediate support 18 can be comprised of a pair of half sections33, 34. The half sections 33, 34 can be held together with boltedconnections 35. Each half section 33, 34 provides a clamping portionthat can include flanges next to the bolted connection 35. In FIG. 4,the half section 33 has clamping portion 36. In FIG. 4, half section 34has clamping portion 37. The clamping portions 36, 37 can provide a pairof flanges 38, 39 through which the bolted connection 35 is inserted.Thus, each flange 38, 39 would provide an opening that is receptive ofthe bolted connection 35.

The pipe bundle or riser bundle 11 supports the plurality of satellitetubes, conduits, pipes 13-17 in a circumferentially spaced apartposition as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each of the satellite tubes or pipes13-17 has a male connector 40 and a female connector 41. The maleconnector 40 is joined to the support 22 using a fitting 42 as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8-9. The connection of male connector 40 to annular flangeor support 22 using fitting 42 is known. The connection of fitting 42 tomale connector 40 uses a threaded connection which employs internalthreads 43 on fitting 42 and external threads 44 on male connector 40 asshown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 7 shows female connector 41 of a satellite tube 14 and itsconnection to annular flange or support 26. The connection of a femaleconnector 41 of a satellite tube 14 to annular flange or support 26 isknown.

In order to remove a selected satellite tube or conduit 13-17 from itssupports 18, 22, 26. A hoist 50 arrangement is employed as shown inFIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B and 12-15. Hoist 50 includes a frame 51 thatcan have a base 52 with multiple feet 53. Base 52 and feet 53 engage anunderlying support surface 46 such as a slab or floor. Base 52 canprovide a network of beams including front longitudinal beams 65, rearlongitudinal beams 66, and a plurality of horizontal transverse beams64. Grating or decking 54 can be provided on base 52 for receiving apipe bundle 11 that is to be serviced.

Hoist 50 includes a plurality of columns 55 that extend upwardly frombase 52. Each column 55 supports an upper horizontal beam 56. Rail 57spans between multiple of the upper horizontal beams 56 as shown inFIGS. 10A-10B, 11A-11B, and 12-15. A plurality of lifts 61 are provided.Each lift has a carriage 58. The carriage 58 travels along the rail 57when a particular selected satellite pipe such as 14 is to be removedfrom its supports 18, 22, 26. Roller bearings 59 can provide aninterface between carriage 58 and rail 57 as shown in FIG. 12. Rollerbearings 59 can engage flange 60 of rail 57. Other roller bearings canengage other parts of rail 57.

Lift 61 can be any suitable lifting apparatus. The lift 61 can beprovided with rigging 68 (for example, sling and shackle). The rigging68 enables a connection to be made between the lift 61 and theparticular satellite pipe 13-17 to be removed from the pipe bundle 11.Such a lift 61 can provide a chain cable or other lifting cable 62.

When a particular satellite pipe or conduit such as conduit 14 is to beremoved from pipe bundle or riser bundle 11, each of the lifts 61 isattached to the selected satellite pipe 14 as shown in FIG. 21. However,before lifting selected satellite pipe 14 from the bundle 11, fitting 42must be removed using tool 48. In order to remove the fitting 42, aprotector sleeve 47 is inserted over male connector 40 as shown in FIGS.18 and 19. Tool 48 has projections 49 that engage correspondingly shapedrecesses 69 in fitting 42 as shown in FIG. 19. Fittings 42 have in somecases have penned portions that must be removed using a hammer andchisel as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 20 illustrates satellite pipe 14, itsmale connector 40 with fitting 42 having been removed.

After the fitting 42 has been removed, each of the lifts 61 is connectedto a selected pipe (e.g. 14). Lift 61 are manned by a human operator 70.This operator 70 receives instructions from a supervisor 71. Thesupervisor 71 is positioned next to annular flange 26 and next to thefemale end or female connector 41 of the satellite pipe 14 to beremoved. In this fashion, any one of the operators 70 can be giveninstructions to either elevate or lower that portion of the satellitepipe 14 to which a particular lift 61 is connected. The supervisor 70controls movement of the satellite pipe 14 in the direction of arrow 72in FIGS. 21 and 23.

In order to move the pipe 14 in the direction of arrow 72, a pullingtool 75 is clamped to the female connector 41 of pipe 14 as shown inFIG. 23. Pulling tool 75 is attached to cable 73 using hook 74 andshackle 82. Pulling tool 75 can be comprised of a pair of half sections76, 77. Each half section 76, 77 provides flanges 78, 79 that are heldtogether using bolted connections 80 as shown in FIG. 22. The boltedconnections 80 can apply pressure to hold the pulling tool 75 tightly tothe female end or female connector 41 of pipe 14. While the cable 73 isbeing pulled in the direction of arrow 72, each of the operators 70operates his or her lift 61 to elevate the selected pipe 13-17 (such aspipe 14) above its supports 18, 22, 26 a selected distance.

In FIG. 21, the supervisor 71 is watching the pipe 14 as it movesthrough an opening 28 in annular flange or support 26. Shackle 82 can beattached to a yoke or bridle 81 that is welded to the half sections 76,77 as shown in FIG. 22. Padding 83 can be added to the inner surface ofeach of the half sections 76, 77 as shown in FIG. 22.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate movement of satellite pipe 14 and female end41 in the direction of arrows 72 and after fitting 42 is removed fromsupport 22 and female connector 41 has separated from opening 28 inannular flange 26. FIG. 24 is an enlargement of the area next to support26. FIG. 25 illustrates that a lift 61 has traveled along rail 57 withpipe 14. Lifts 61 are now on both sides of support 26 as shown. Noticein FIG. 25 that the male end 40 of pipe 14 has now moved away fromsupport 22 and toward support 26. FIG. 27 illustrates further movementof pipe 14 in the direction of arrow 72 so that the female connector 41is now spaced a good distance away from the support 26. In FIGS. 28 and29, the male end 40 passes through opening 28 in support 26. In FIG. 29,the pipe 14 has been removed from the pipe bundle 11 and is stillsupported by the plurality of lifts 61, each manned by an operator 70.

In FIG. 26, a satellite pipe rack 90 is shown. The rack or holder 90provides sections 91, 92. Each of the sections 91, 92 can be providedwith a plurality of semicircular recesses 93 that are receptive of oneor more satellite pipes 13-17 to be supported. An elongated strap orother rigging 94 can be used to hold the selected satellite pipes 13-17to the rack 90. A beam 101 can be provided in between the sections 91,92 as shown in FIG. 26. The strap or rigging 94 can encircle acombination of the beam 101 and pipes 13-17 to be secured.

FIG. 30 illustrates four satellite pipes, each held by multiple racks 90after removal of the selected satellite pipes 14-17 from pipe bundle 11.Forklifts 85 or other suitable wheeled vehicle can be used to lift thecollection of pipes 14-17 that are held in the racks 90. Forklift tines86 fit into open areas or gaps 63 in the decking or grating 54 of base52 as shown in FIG. 30. Arrows 87 illustrate removal of the combinationof satellite pipes 14-17 and racks 90 from hoisting apparatus 50 afterbundle 11 has been serviced, it can be removed from decking 54 asillustrated by arrows 88 in FIG. 31. In FIG. 31 the selected satellitepipes 14-17 have been removed from bundle 11.

FIGS. 32-45 illustrate a reinstallation of the selected satellite pipes14-17 after they have been serviced, such as provided with one or moreselected anti-corrosive coatings.

In FIG. 32, a pair of wheeled vehicles, namely forklifts 85 are showncarrying the cradles 19 that are attached to a part of a riser bundle 11that has some of all of its satellite pipes 14-17 removed. In FIG. 32,the forklifts 85 are transporting the larger pipe 12, intermediatesupports 18, end supports 22, 26 and some of the satellite pipes to thehoist apparatus 50. In FIG. 33, there are a plurality of satellite pipes14-17 that have been serviced and are to be returned to the pipe bundle11 as shown by arrow 84. In FIG. 33, each of the serviced satellitepipes 14-17 are held in a pipe rack or holder 90 such as the one thatwas shown and described with respect to FIG. 26. In FIG. 34, the cradles19, large pipe 12, and intermediate supports 18 are shown after havingbeen placed upon base 52 of hoist 50. In FIG. 34, the end supports 22and 26 are also a part of the pipe bundle 11 less those satellite pipes14-17 that have been serviced and are to be returned to the bundle 11.In FIG. 36, operators 70 and their supervisor 71 are shown attachingindividual lifts 61 to a satellite pipe 14 that is to be returned to thebundle 11. Arrows 89 in FIG. 36 illustrate a lifting of the satellitepipe 14 using the plurality of lifts 61 shown in FIG. 36.

FIG. 37 illustrates a movement of the satellite pipe 14 in the directionof arrows 95. In FIG. 37, the male connector 40 end of pipe 14 haspassed through an opening in support 26 as shown. During this reassemblyof satellite pipe 14 to bundle 11, lifts 61 are shown on both sides ofsupport 26 in FIG. 37. FIG. 38 illustrates a protective sleeve 96 thatcan be rolled as indicated by arrows 97 into a cylinder shape whereinthe cylinder shape is designated by the numeral 98. In FIG. 38, anannular flange 99 is provided having gaps at 100. The protective sleeve96 is placed over the male connector 40 part of pipe 14 and threadedthrough end support 26 as shown in FIG. 39. In this fashion, theexternal threads 44 are protected from damage.

FIG. 40 illustrates further movement of satellite pipe 14 in thedirection of arrows 95 and wherein most of the satellite pipe 14 hasbeen added to the pipe bundle 11. In FIG. 43, the male connector 40 hasreached the support 22. In FIG. 44, tool 48 is shown reattaching fitting42 to satellite pipe 14. FIG. 45 illustrates removal of the sleeve 96.

The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in thepresent invention.

PARTS LIST Part Number Description 10 riser handling system 11 riserbundle/pipe bundle 12 central tube 13 satellite tube/conduit/pipe 14satellite tube/conduit/pipe 15 satellite tube/conduit/pipe 16 satellitetube/conduit/pipe 17 satellite tube/conduit/pipe 18 intermediate support19 cradle 20 end portion 21 end portion 22 annular flange/support 23opening 24 opening 25 opening 26 annular flange/support 27 opening 28opening 29 opening 30 clamp 31 pivotal connection 32 bolted connection33 half section 34 half section 35 bolted connection 36 clamping portion37 clamping portion 38 flange 39 flange 40 male connector 41 femaleconnector 42 fitting 43 internal threads 44 external threads 45 arrow 46underlying support surface 47 sleeve 48 tool 49 projection 50 hoist 51frame 52 base 53 foot 54 grating/decking 55 column 56 upper horizontalbeam 57 rail 58 carriage 59 roller bearing 60 flange 61 lift 62 liftcable/chain 63 gap/opening 64 horizontal transverse beam 65 frontlongitudinal beam 66 rear longitudinal beam 67 socket 68 rigging 69recess 70 operator 71 supervisor 72 arrow 73 cable 74 hook 75 pullingtool 76 half section 77 half section 78 flange 79 flange 80 boltedconnection 81 yoke/bridle 82 shackle 83 padding 84 arrow 85 forklift 86tine 87 arrow 88 arrow 89 arrow 90 pipe rack/holder 91 section 92section 93 recesses 94 strap/rigging 95 arrow 96 sleeve 97 arrow 98cylinder 99 flange 100 gap 101 beam

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; thescope of the present invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of removing a satellite pipe froma pipe bundle that includes multiple satellite pipes supported by aplurality of spaced apart supports that include end supports andintermediate supports, comprising the steps of; a) supporting the pipebundle; b) providing a hoisting apparatus that includes an overheadrail, the overhead rail extending at least partially along the pipebundle; c) attaching a plurality of lifts to the selected satellitepipe, each lift having and being supported by a carriage, enabling thelift to travel along the overhead rail; d) separating the satellite pipefrom the intermediate supports and at least one of the end supports; e)elevating the selected satellite pipe with the lifts of step “c”, eachlift being able to change the elevation of the pipe independently of theother lifts; and f) moving the pipe toward one of the end supports,wherein at least one of the lifts moves simultaneously with thesatellite pipe, and at least one of the plurality of lift carriages alsomoves with the pipe.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein in step “f” theend support has an opening and the satellite pipe moves through theopening until it is separated from the pipe bundle.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein each support spaces the satellite pipescircumferentially apart.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the pipebundle is transported laterally from a first position spaced away fromthe hoisting apparatus to a second position which is the position ofstep “a”.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the pipe bundle istransported laterally by lifting the pipe bundles with one or morewheeled vehicles.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the pipe bundle istransported laterally by lifting the pipe bundles with one or more forklift vehicles.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step ofsupporting the pipe bundle with multiple cradles, each cradle having abase that is configured to rest upon an underlying generally flatsupport surface.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein each cradle has anupper end portion that conforms to the shape of the pipe bundle.
 9. Themethod of claim 7 wherein each cradle is in between a pair of supports.10. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the satellite pipes has a maleend portion and a female end portion, the end supports being male andfemale end supports, and in step “f” the satellite pipe male issupported by the male end support and wherein the satellite pipe travelstoward the female end support.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein themale end portion of each satellite pipe is connected to an end supportwith a fitting and further comprising removing the fitting.
 12. Themethod of claim 10 further comprising applying tension to the female endportion of the satellite pipe during step “f”.
 13. The method of claim 1wherein the hoisting apparatus has a base with decking.
 14. The methodof claim 13 wherein the decking has open areas and the pipe bundle istransported laterally by lifting the pipe bundles with one or more forklift vehicles having fork lift tines that extend into the open areas.15. The method of claim 1 wherein in step “e” a human operator ispositioned next to and operates the lift.
 16. The method of claim 15wherein in step “e” a supervisor conveys commands to the operatorsregarding elevation information for a particular lift.
 17. The method ofclaim 16 wherein the supervisor is positioned next to one of the bundleend supports.
 18. The method of claim 1 wherein in step “c” there is alift positioned in between a pair of supports.
 19. The method of claim18 wherein in step “c” there is a lift positioned in between a pair ofsupports.
 20. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying tensionto one end portion of the satellite pipe during step “f”.